New Berlin operator brings back old days

JENISON -- Mike Blackmer recently sifted through a stack of old Berlin Raceway programs at the track's office.

"I'm all about the history of the track," said Blackmer, looking up from a program from 1983. "You know what my fondest memory of (Berlin founder) Chet (Mysliwiec) is? It was on anniversary night when he would pull up on the frontstretch, open up his trunk and start giving out prizes."

Blackmer is the new operator of the Marne half-mile, and he wants to connect with fans, both young and old. Blackmer's intentions are evident in the track's 2009 schedule.

Berlin will introduce a new Young Guns division, which will be available for drivers 14-16 years old.

For the old-time fans, Blackmer will bring the traveling International Supermodified Association to Berlin for programs on June 13 and Sept. 26.

Blackmer also will bring back Mysliwiec's old slogan, 'Where Speed Belongs.'

Plus, the price of a general admission ticket has been dropped to $12, $1 less than last year. Season passes, which go on sale Monday, are $297 for 27 race dates.

"This is an adjustment to the times that we are in, so we are trying some different things," Blackmer said.

Blackmer is the third operator in Berlin's history. He purchased the lease to operate the track from West Michigan Whitecaps Racing, Inc.

The track will be open its 59th season April 18 through Oct. 3. Special events include a visit by ARCA (July 25), the 59th Anniversary Night (Aug. 1), the Fourth annual Boyne Machine Weekend (Sept. 11-12) and a program featuring Berlin's Late Models and Super Stocks on June 19 and the ASA Late Model North Series June 20.

Grand Rapids driver Johnny Benson Jr., who is coming off this year's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship, will race in the June 13 ISMA race.